Developing: Russia boosts North Korea through new Internet access

The following has not yet been approved by WikiTribune's editorial team. If you see any inaccuracies, you can log in and leave a Talk comment for this Story or edit it yourself to correct it in this draft. If you believe that is not sufficient to solve the problem, you can get the attention of WikiTribune's editorial team at [email protected]

Russia has provided North Korea with a second Internet connection giving the hermit nation greater capabilities to protect itself from cyber attacks, as well as carry them out.

White House officials have not commented on North Korea’s newly acquired internet capabilities. The improvement in North Korean communications, however, contradicts the larger U.S. campaign to isolate the regime globally as it continues to develop missile technology that could carry a nuclear weapon.

The only other North Korean internet connection runs through China, the regime’s primary economic partner. With another link, the country is less vulnerable to cyber attacks.

“By increasing the number of internet connections in and out of the country, it increases its resilience to attacks,” Bryce Boland, cybersecurity expert with FireEye told CNN.

U.S. targeting of North Korean internet infrastructure began in 2014 under former Barack Obama. President Donald J. Trump has continued the cyber campaign. The Washington Post reported that the the Russian-North Korea connection went online after the U.S. ended its multiple day denial of service attack that severed the country’s online capabilities.

Dear Community: What benefits does another internet connection offer North Korea?

With limited resources, North Korea does not typically carry out cyber-attacks from within the country’s borders. Instead, it will likely use its stronger internet connection to communicate with hackers who are based in countries with more connectivity.

Internet For North Koreans

There is no reliable data of internet access in North Korea. Slate reported that foreign companies and expatriates based in Pyongyang are allowed to browse the internet from smartphones. Graduate students can use the internet within university campuses with unknown restrictions.

What is known is that there are likely less than 50 websites accessible in North Korea. The government accidentally leaked a list of registered domains in the country last year.

On Tuesday BBC News reported that in a recent speech to members of his politburo, Kim Jong-un emphasised development of the North Korean economy; part of his “Byungjin” strategy, the dual development of the economy and the nuclear weapons programme. North Korea’s first online shop, Chollima, opened in January 2008, but no longer appears to be in operation.

Russia and North Korea Relationship

Russian President Vladimir Putin is critical of the aggressive stance taken by the United States towards North Korea and its moves to develop missile technology. Putin advocates for dialogue over pressure while the Trump Administration tries to isolate North Korea as much as possible. The Kremlin, however, has maintained diplomatic and economic ties.

Last week, the North Korean foreign minister flew to Moscow to discuss their tense relationship with the United States. Reuters reported that Russia was able to sell refined fuel to North Korea, which flies against international sanctions.

Russia’s increased role in North Korea may be critical for the regime’s survival as China shows signs of joining the international community in isolating the country. China remains the largest trading partner for North Korea, but intense lobbying efforts from international community has pressured Beijing into implementing sanctions of their own.

We have no ads and no paywall. If you believe in collaboration to produce quality neutral journalism for everyone, it is important that you sign up to support our work financially. Every penny goes towards improving WikiTribune! Thanks, Jimmy Wales

WikiTribuneWikiTribuneOpen menuCloseSearchLikeBackNextOpen menuClose menuPlay videoRSS FeedShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on RedditFollow us on InstagramFollow us on YoutubeConnect with us on LinkedinEmail us